Ryan Clem
Ryan and her husband Ryley have two daughters, a nine-year-old and a newborn baby. She's a native Wichitan and calls the east side home. Ryan works part-time as a copywriter at a marketing agency in downtown Wichita. In her sacred free time, she's probably catching up on a reality show or doodling on her iPad. Follow Ryan at @ListenMyDear on Instagram and her blog Listen My Dear.
5 Must-Read Inspirational Picture Books
In a chaotic world, we can always depend on the purity and simplicity of children's picture books. They can communicate with children in a special way that, sometimes, no one else can. I love...
Why I’m Raising A Santa Believer
For kids, believing in Santa Claus is magical; for parents, it’s nostalgic.
Santa represents goodness, giving and joy and believing in him just feels...well, good!
When I strip all that away, though, and discern why I’m...
Finding Thankfulness in a Thanksgiving Apart
Holidays with my daughter are divvied up every year. While Christmas is shared, Thanksgiving Day (and weekend) are scheduled with each parent exclusively every other year. This year, my daughter is with her dad...
When Your Daughter Won’t Do Dresses
The staple in my 8-year-old daughter's wardrobe is a graphic tee, accompanied by basketball shorts and tennis shoes, naturally. She doesn't care for dresses, bows or even wearing her hair down.
She has a very...
Sorry I’m Not Sorry :: Tale of An Unscheduled Summer
My daughter is eight years old. She’s played a handful of sports, she’s done Girl Scouts, she’s danced, she’s taken some art classes. My general rule of thumb is no more than two activities...
Why You Should Share Your Stories with Your Children
"Will you tell me a story about when you were a little boy?" my sister and I would ask my dad upon being tucked in at night. Stories were always a special treat. As...
Target Looks I Love For Spring
When people ask, "Love your outfit, where'd you get it?" More than 50% of the time, I respond, "It's from Target."
When I shop, I'm looking for something memorable or versatile. My style is classic...
Lice Hacks :: How to Kick Those Nasty Nits
I have a new four letter word in my vocabulary: L-I-C-E. Until recently, I hadn't experienced this horrific rite-of-passage as a parent and let me tell you, it was plain "lousey."
If your child has lice,...
I Care What You Think – Is That So Wrong?
I care what you think.
Yes, you, reading this post right now.
Or you, looking at that Instagram I just put up.
Or you, catching my eye as I enter the room.
Or you, listening to my comments...
If Your Christmas Tree Could Talk
“Seriously, Christmas is THIS week, you’re just putting me up NOW? Eh, whatever, at least I’ll get to hang around until February.”
This would be my Christmas tree if it could talk. Every year,...
3 Thanksgiving Table Looks
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It's the food, the family... and for me, nostalgic memories of charismatic tables spreads. A little personal touch gives an already festive day that extra spark! Having good...
Halloween Costume Ideas :: The Snapchat Filter Family
If you're like me, you spend a lot of time on Snapchat. And your kids to do, because those filters are so gosh darn entertaining! To those of you who've received 20 snaps at...
“She’s Stupid and Ugly!” Why Little Girl World Makes Me Nervous
I had lunch with my daughter one day at school, which I do from time to time. Typically, I just sit there and observe. I watch my daughter eat her lunch, and I enjoy listening to...
How to Get Your Big Kid to Stay in Bed
Until recently, bedtime was never easy with my 7-year-old daughter. Since birth, she was very accustomed to sleeping in my bed, and I often justified reasons why it was okay for her to jump...